Mine to Have
3 Stars

A good mix of suspense and romance although the plot twists are predictable and the insta-lust trope is exceedingly far-fetched.

While Elizabeth and Saxon have intense chemistry and Eden certainly knows how to write a HOT sex scene, it is difficult to believe that a woman on the run from hitmen would agree to be intimate with a complete stranger who is more than a little bit dangerous.

On the plus side, the character development is pretty good, especially for Saxon although it would have been even better with less telling and more showing.

The witness on the run storyline has excellent potential with some well-written actions scenes and, thankfully, no TSTL moments. Nevertheless, the identities of the villains are so obvious as to border on the ridiculous, and this is a pity as Eden is usually so adept at writing gripping suspense.

In sum, while this is definitely not one of Eden's better romantic suspense series, it does have all of the elements for an entertaining read and her talent does shine through at times. The next and final book focuses on FBI Agent Victor Monroe and I'm looking forward to it as I adore a stoic, tortured hero. ( )

Mine to Have (Mine #5) by Cynthia Eden, is book 5 in the Mine series

MINE TO TAKE - Book One
MINE TO KEEP - Book Two
MINE TO HOLD - Book Three
MINE TO CRAVE - Book Four

Each book focuses on a different couple and situation, and is a standalone, no cliffhanger read.
• Mine to Have has all of the elements of a fast paced easy to read romantic suspense story:
• Possessive bad-ass alpha – check
• Heroine in danger - check
• Helpless or TSTL Heroine - no way, Elizabeth isn't looking for anyone to fight her battles
• Sexy hero - Oh yeah, I liked Saxon
• One or more bad guys – check
• Intrigue, action, double crossing characters, fighting, hot sex – check
• Good character development - so so, would have like more
• Character likability - Saxon - oh yeah, Elizabeth - so so
• Good supporting cast - so so - Victor not bad, Gary, Tracy, Luther, Zoe,Hugh, written ok but thin characters, used mainly as members of the plot
• Romance factor - way too quick on Elizabeth's part, but convincing enough overall

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. Publication date Sept 15, 2014

Overall an enjoyable read, not an outstanding read - for me a three star read

( )

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Of all the the books in the series I think this comes in 1st with book 4 a close 2nd in terms of action and suspense. In terms of romantic pursuit Book 4 is still a winner, but then Drake has always been one of my favorite characters. Lots of twists and turns in the plot and probably paced faster than the previous books. Looking forward to the next installment. I'm guessing Victor and Zoe will be the headliners ;-D ( )

Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Miami, Florida

Elizabeth Ward is being held hostage in the backroom of a low end bar in Miami called The Blade when she first sees Saxon Black. She isn’t sure if he is there to raise some hell or to save the day. Though he seems to be her best chance at survival. Suddenly she is away from the men with the guns and riding fast and hard on the back of Saxon’s motorcycle.

For far too long Saxon has been working undercover. When he first sees Elizabeth she has a gun to her head and he knows he will do anything to keep her safe. He gets her away from her abductors but the threat is far from over. There is a price on Elizabeth’s head and if he can’t keep her safe she will end up dead.

Elizabeth and Saxon on suddenly on the run as their enemies close in on them. The longer they are together the hotter the passion between them gets. Saxon vows to let no harm to come to Elizabeth no matter what he has to do to keep her safe because he is falling for her fast. He is determined to stop the killers on her trail and then he is determined to have her forever.

This is another chapter in a series that is proving to be addictive. The series has a lot of action and suspense that keeps coming with every page that is turned. Just when the reader thinks they have it figured out another twist it thrown at them to make them wonder just what is happening and where this one is going. It is not a disappointment and makes for a book that is extremely hard to put down. Readers will find that despite the size it proves to be a very fast read because they won’t want to put it down until they finish the whole story. While each book can be read as a standalone it proves to be much better if the reader reads the whole series in order. After this one readers will be hoping for another book in this series. The characters are rich and complicated and make for a mesmerizing story that they won’t soon forget. This is one author that never disappoints her fans and readers. ( )